'Humans in Space'

Sometimes it takes tragedy to make us realize what we once took for granted. Such has become the legacy of the American space program. The emotion of the moment has clearly united us, proving without doubt the true value we place on our greatest national asset.

It has been said that every cloud has a silver lining. Today we celebrate our irrepressible spirit, confirming our unending commitment to the exploration of our universe. This is what men like Columbus, Magellan, and Balboa would have wanted. It is what the crew of the Challenger would have wanted. It is what every American now wants.

I, for one, would be proud to offer my personal and total dedication to the NASA team. I, without hesitation, would board the space shuttle Discovery to continue the work begun by our forefathers more than five centuries ago.